This weekend, Trackhouse Racing is honoring Dale Earnhardt Sr and Dale Earnhardt Jr with their machines
On Tuesday, Trackhouse Racing revealed their paint schemes for this weekend at Darlington Raceway. Both the No. 1 and No. 99 tribute the Earnhardt family.
See the edit to the Earnhardt throwback below.
The schemes honor Dale Earnhardt Sr and Dale Earnhardt Jr. The schemes were run in NASCAR’s 1998 exhibition race at Twin Ring Motegi in Japan.
“We wanted to do something that honors the legacy of the sport, recognizes our valued partners at Trackhouse Racing and something that fans can get behind,” Trackhouse owner Justin Marks said in a team release.
Marks added, “We think this is the right combination marrying the history of the Earnhardts who are both Hall of Famers, acknowledging our support from Coke and Chevrolet, plus supporting the fans excitement for Throwback Weekend in Darlington.”
Team owner Justin Marks will also honor Harry Gant during pre-race ceremonies this weekend. He’ll drive the No. 33 pre-race, a car that he owns which Gant drove to two victories in 1991.
Dale Earnhardt Jr recalls getting the belt as a child
Update to the throwback scheme
When Dale Earnhardt Jr left DEI, he was unable to use the No. 8 machine that he grew up racing. At the time, DEI maintained control of that number and Earnhardt’s widow, Teresa had control of the race team. Dale Jr went with the No. 88 at Hendrick Motorsports.
Today, Teresa Earnhardt no longer holds the right to use the numbers previously used at Dale Earnhardt, Inc in competition. However, she maintains the trademarks to the design of the numbers themselves.
Back in 2017, Kerry Earnhardt battled with Teresa Earnhardt in the US Court of Appeals for the right to use ‘Earnhardt’ in a series of mobile homes. Kerry won the original case, Teresa elected to appeal. Today, the Earnhardt Collection is sold via Schumacher Homes.
Teresa Earnhardt vs Kerry Earnhardt (court audio)
Later that same year, Busweiser released a commercial during the superbowl as they honored Dale Earnhardt Jr during his final season in the NASCAR Cup Series. In the clips from Earnhardt’s famous win at Daytona the No. 8 was completely blurred out.
The darker side to Dale Earnhardt Jr’s Budweiser commercial
In the latest episode, the No. 1 car that will be used this weekend by Ross Chastain has been modified from it’s original look. A black slash has been added through the 1, after the car was released.
That slash was added on Wednesday, the day after the reveal of the machines.
Kyle Sykes, director of creative and digital for Trackhouse Racing posted the updated No. 1 with the caption, “Number edit.”
Trackhouse Racing told RacingNews.co that they did not receive a request to change the number.
Dale Earnhardt Jr recalls on track disputes with his own father
Dale Earnhardt St & Jr
Throwback
Trackhouse Racing shop; Take a look inside the NASCAR team (Photos)
Links
Dale Earnhardt Inc | Dale Jr | Daniel Suarez | Ross Chastain | Trackhouse Racing | Darlington Raceway | NASCAR
